The Super Falcons face Brazil in their opening match at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite missing key players due to injury, the Nigerian team is buoyed by their World Cup success and recent training. Coach Randy Waldrum remains optimistic about their chances against the formidable South American side.
The Super Falcons are set to kick off their Paris 2024 Olympic campaign with a challenging yet potentially rewarding match against Brazil on July 25, 2024, at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux. This marks the team's return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence, having last competed in 2008 when they were defeated 3-1 by Brazil in Beijing. Historically, their encounters have been competitive, including a narrow loss in the 1991 World Cup.
The Super Falcons, who are in Group C, will also face reigning world champions Spain and 2011 champions Japan. Brazil, led by the seasoned Marta, who boasts an impressive record of 183 caps and 118 goals, failed to advance beyond the group stage in the previous year's World Cup, which may offer a glimmer of hope for Nigeria.
Despite missing key players Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde due to injury, the Super Falcons have prepared intensively, including a two-week training stint in Sevilla and a test match against Canada. Coach Randy Waldrum is optimistic, citing improvements in team performance and attacking play. With new additions like Mexico-based striker Chinwendu Ihezuo, the Super Falcons aim to leverage their recent World Cup success to advance further in the Olympics.
